Abstract : Currently, most antenna array designs are mechanically steered. However, as demand for higher performance antennas increases, an electronic replacement for the mechanical system becomes necessary. An alternative that may prove to be more cost effective is to use ferrite patch antennas as the elements in the array. The antenna's radiation characteristics are controlled by the direction and magnitude of the imposed magnetic fields that bias the ferrite. This is accomplished without requiring additional circuitry in the signal path. An initial study of this type of device was performed. The advanced ferrite handling capability of Ansoft HFSS was used to simulate the radiation characteristics of ferrite patch antennas. The simulation capability of this finite element field simulation tool with its advanced absorbing boundary condition to simulate ferrite patch antennas was studied. The advantage of this type of solver is the ability to analyze ferrites with non-uniform bias fields. Through this investigation a better understanding of the operating characteristics of ferrite patch antennas was achieved.